VisitScotland cutbacks in Aberdeenshire being proposed

Cuts are being proposed at VisitScotland information centres in Aberdeenshire.

A review has suggested reducing staffing at four sites, and making the Braemar centre a summer-only operation.

The popular Ballater base - which had almost 27,000 visitors last year - would be among those seeing staffing cut if the proposals are approved.

Other plans include moving the Alford centre to the local museum and introducing arts and craft in Banff.

There are no plans for closures.

Value for money

Regional Director Shona Anderson said: "VisitScotland, in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council, recently carried out a full review of the visitor information provision across the region.

"The results, options and recommendations of this review have been put forward for consideration and discussion to the economic development committee at Aberdeenshire Council.

"It is important to stress that at this stage there are no firm plans to implement any changes to the future operations at any of the Aberdeenshire VICs. We are looking at all options in partnership with the local authority and full consultation will carried out in due course with the industry and stakeholders.

"VisitScotland continually reviews visitor information provision across the country to ensure that our information centre network keeps pace with our visitor's needs and continues to deliver value for money for the public purse."